松间明月 (Sōngjiān Míngyuè)

「大雪压青松，青松挺且直」

Heavy snow weighs upon the green pine, yet the pine stands tall and straight

— Chen Yi, 'The Green Pine'

Heavy snow burdens the green pine, yet it stands tall and unbowed — an unyielding spirit in adversity.

「岁寒，然后知松柏之后凋也」

Only when the year grows cold do we know that pine and cypress are the last to wither

— The Analects, 'The Rare'

Only in the bitterest winter do we learn that pine and cypress are the last to fade — true character is revealed in hardship.

「床前明月光，疑是地上霜」

Before my bed, a pool of moonlight; I wonder if it is frost upon the ground

— Li Bai, 'Quiet Night Thoughts'

Moonlight spills before my bed like a layer of frost — the most widely known Chinese poem of all time.

「明月几时有？把酒问青天」

When did the bright moon first appear? I raise my cup and ask the blue sky

— Su Shi, 'Water Melody'

When did the bright moon first arise? I raise my wine cup to ask the heavens — the eternal masterpiece for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

「山重水复疑无路，柳暗花明又一村」

Through endless mountains and winding rivers, I fear there is no way ahead; then through dark willows and bright flowers, another village appears

— Lu You, 'Visiting a Village West of the Mountain'

Just when the mountains and streams seem to block all paths, a village suddenly appears beyond the willows and flowers — hope found in the darkest moment.